A new law that penalizes Arizona employers who hire illegal immigrants took effect at the start of 2008, and many are calling it the most Draconian anti-immigration law in the nation -- one that could have a major impact on the nation's winter vegetable supply. Under the new Legal Arizona Workers Act, businesses that knowingly hire illegal immigrants could face a business-license suspension of up to 10 days on a first offense and lose their license for a second offense. Each illegal hire would be one offense, so a grower with two undocumented workers could be faced with immediate loss of the

On Wednesday, Dec. 19, in an emergency injunction attempt in a Tallahassee, FL, courtroom, a judge ruled against California in its attempt to have a quarantine lifted on citrus fruit shipped to Florida due to Septoria citri. The quarantine went into effect Dec. 7. California Citrus Mutual, Sunkist Growers Inc. and others filed the lawsuit. The ruling comes just over a month following APHIS' final rule that permits interstate movement of citrus fruit from quarantined areas of Florida, which California fought to prevent. Florida is now two-for-two in its legal battles with California over

PLANTATION, FL -- With winter demand for papayas in overdrive, HLB Tropical Food USA is well positioned with good supplies of both the "HLB" and "Caliman" labeled Golden and Formosa varieties. According to Homero Levy de Barros, president of HLB Tropical Food USA, based here, the Brazilian fruit has prevented any gaps in supplies caused by August's Hurricane Dean, which plowed through production areas in the Yucatan and Belize. In addition, Melissa Hartmann de Barros, Mr. de Barros' daughter and director of communication for HLB, told The Produce News in December, "Our structure right now is

Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A. Inc., based in Coral Gables, FL, will unveil www.fruits.com, a new web site dedicated exclusively to helping consumers lead healthy lifestyles. The site will contain several sections in which consumers can learn about Del Monte products; find recipes, nutrition and fitness tips; and participate in the latest Del Monte promotions. The site will also include a kid's corner with child-friendly recipes and games. "The new web site is part of our new communications platform to help consumers and provide them the information and tools they need to lead a healthier

Perhaps for the first time ever, the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, based in E. Grand Forks, MN, will be exhibiting at the huge National Restaurant Association convention in Chicago. Ted Kreis, marketing director of the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association, said that he has been on that staff for four years. He is unaware of any predecessors who have been involved in the NRA show. "I know we used to go to United [Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association show] in Chicago," he said. "But I think we have never exhibited in the foodservice show before. We are looking to expand the

At the Dec. 6 annual meeting of United Potato Growers of America, Allen Floyd of Othello, WA, was elected chairman of the grower co-op for the coming year. The potato grower and partner of Harvest Fresh and HF Farms has served on the United board of directors as chairman of United Potato Growers of Washington & Northeast Oregon for the last three years, and as vice chairman of United of America for the last year. Created in November 2004 under the Capper-Volstead Act, United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho was organized to control acreage, manage potato supply and raise the price farmers receive